Lastings Milledge has been light-years ahead of Church in terms of offensive production this season. He also hit a rare homer last night. Church, meanwhile, struck out in a pinch-hit appearance and appeared to lollygag on defense, nearly costing the Pirates the game. Hooray, accountability!

John Russell is probably not the one making these decisions–Neal Huntington is. Presumably, Neal’s hoping Church will even out and have his numbers move closer to where they’ve been his whole career so he can get something–anything–for him in a trade. I would hope that Milledge would play every day after that. That seems semi-reasonable given that the season is essentially over for the Pirates, but it’s not acceptable to avoid using players that give you a significantly better chance to win–especially in this situation, where AT BEST a crappy minor league vet or fringe rookie ball prospect is on the line.

Tonight’s starters…

Jeff Karstens: 2-3, 4.71 vs. Dave Bush: 3-6, 4.23

What an inspiring pitching matchup. Karstens wasn’t too good last time out, but did end the fateful streak at Miller Park the last time he pitched there, so that’s good. And it’s always noteworthy when he pitches to Cryan Braun.